When your car is well taken care of, it can take you just about anywhere. Cars that are properly serviced and maintained can run smoother, use fuel more efficiently, offer added safety and even last longer. Most drivers understand that taking care of regular auto service in Athens County, OH is an important aspect of vehicle ownership, but many people don’t know exactly how they should go about doing this. There are many different aspects of maintenance that you have to keep track of, and it might seem overwhelming at times. Thankfully, there are some guidelines that you can follow to ensure that your car remains in the best shape possible for years to come:

Oil changes: The best way to find out when you should have your oil changed is by taking a look in your vehicle owner’s manual. The car manufacturer usually has some general guidelines about when you should get certain services performed. When it comes to oil changes, it is generally recommended that you have the service done every six months or every 5,000 miles, though this can vary widely based on your car and the type of oil that you use.

Filter replacements: It’s important to change your filters in order to maintain the operation of your vehicle. Your air filter controls airflow, and a clean filter can promote increased fuel economy, while your cabin filter is responsible for keeping the air that enters your vehicle clean and free of contaminants. If these filters become dirty, it can cause major problems for your vehicle, so you should have them changed per your owner’s manual and your repair technician’s recommendation.

Fluid check: Coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid and brake fluid are important to the overall operation, efficiency and functionality of your vehicle. Like most aspects of maintenance, recommended service intervals can vary, but a good rule of thumb is to replace coolant every five years or 70,000 miles, power steering fluid and brake fluid every three years and transmission fluid every three years or 30,000 miles. It’s a good idea to take your car to a professional when you need your fluids checked, since they will be able to detect potential issues with your engine that need to be addressed while they are checking fluids.

Test your battery: Since battery problems are more common in the winter, it’s a good idea to have your battery checked on an annual basis, either in the fall or early winter. You should also check your battery’s charge before a long road trip.

Keeping track of all of those maintenance requirements all on your own can be a pretty significant undertaking. However, you can avoid the issues that come with neglecting your car’s maintenance by getting auto service in Athens County, OH from Dana’s Tire Center. Since 1983, we have been providing exceptional services, including tire repair and replacement, engine and transmission repair, standard auto maintenance and more. We can assist you with all of your maintenance and repair needs in a timely and professional manner. Finding out more by giving us a call or stopping by our shop!